Lugano Model Aircraft Club “Flight School”

The flight school is run by experienced model aircraft enthusiasts from the GAL. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, for 6–7 months a year, these experts are available to beginners for both theoretical and practical training. The group has acquired two electric model airplanes, fully equipped with accessories and already set up for “dual control”: an easy and safe way to get started in model aviation. Special thanks go to Hope Modellismo in Manno for the equipment they kindly provided for training new pilots.

At the GAL headquarters (ALL sub-center in Manno), you can purchase a membership card for Fr. 50.–, which entitles you to flights with an instructor lasting approximately 10 minutes each. This card also serves as a “flight logbook,” in which your progress during the lessons will be recorded. A maximum of two students may participate in lessons at the airfields at any given time. A simple final test, including takeoff and landing, concludes the training period. Instructors and pilots receive the flight school schedule monthly.

Attendance at the flight school is in no way mandatory; once the training period is complete, each participant is free to choose whether to join GAL or another group in Italian-speaking Switzerland. If a participant wishes to join our group, the training doesn’t end there! To ensure safety and autonomy, we offer on-site guidance for pilots at the airfield, covering the essential rules to follow and, above all, providing peace of mind during their first flights without dual controls. Additionally, for those with a strong interest in the F3A category, we offer the opportunity to begin training in aerobatic maneuvers.

At the GAL headquarters, there is also a computer equipped with a modern radio-controlled flight simulator. It is available to anyone interested during the headquarters’ opening hours (every Wednesday starting around 8:45 p.m.).

Strictly follow flight rules and airfield regulations;
participate in events organized by the GAL, such as competitions and gatherings;
assist with the periodic maintenance of the airfield and the clubhouse;
attend general meetings.

Model building isn’t an expensive hobby, but some costs shouldn’t be underestimated. In particular, a fairly significant initial investment is often required (purchase of the model + radio control), but most of the equipment can be reused later. The GAL membership fee is Fr. 20.– per year for juniors and Fr. 50.– per year for seniors, plus membership fees for the Aero Club Lugano, the Swiss Aero Club, and the Swiss Model Aircraft Federation.

Starting at age 12, as already mentioned, you can enroll in flight school; otherwise, it is strongly recommended that you be mentored by an experienced modeler to get started in radio-controlled model aircraft. For this phase, we recommend a simple glider or an electric-powered model aircraft designed for beginners. These “trainer” models feature excellent stability and moderate speeds, allowing you to “cut your teeth” quickly and with a degree of safety. The use of a “dual-control” system is essential. With this system, two radios can be connected (via a cable); the first is for the instructor, and the second for the student. The student’s transmitter is activated by a button on the main transmitter: this allows the instructor to regain control of the model aircraft if the student is no longer able to fly it, preventing it from crashing.

In this regard, consult an experienced model aircraft enthusiast about what equipment to purchase, keeping in mind the possibility of finding models and equipment on sale at truly bargain prices. ■ GAL Instructors:

The GAL Committee, www.gal.ch